I actually tried growing Stinging Nettle from seed and it grew great - unfortunately I too found out how it got its name. My best solution was to quickly run to the faucet and use a lot of soap and water to get rid of the poison.

I now only grow False Nettle, Bohermia cylindrica, which does great in shade and just yesterday, Red Admirals were laying eggs on it.

There's not need to keep Sting Nettle around any more.

Hint # 1: Around here, I call it Urtica diabolica.
Hint # 2: When I cut it back this summer, it was 7' and still going up, seeds and all.
Hint # 3: When stung, use the back of a knifeblade or a length of very sticky tape on the area to get the spines out of your skin. Cortisone ointment is a godsend, as is a very hot shower.
Hint # 4: I find wind-seeded volunteers all the time; the most common 'expansion' technique is by underground runners (stems).

Hope that helps!

It is a perennial in zone 5.

Here is a link that might be useful: Stinging Nettles

Ooh yes, I'd be for acquiring the non-stinging False Nettle as Butterflyman suggests. You can usually find seeds online at native plant nurseries, such as Prairie Moon, and they grow readily fron seed. My patch of 3 small plants I purchased 3 years ago, is now 5' tall and about 6' wide.